Brooklyn Nets: Battles for Starting and Backup Position
Small Forward
This is where things start to get interesting. The Nets had some fluctuation last season at small forward with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson being the starter early on. Hollis-Jefferson struggled to find an offensive rhythm, and when Caris LeVert returned from injury, he assumed the role as starter.
LeVert played well for a rookie and showed that he has all the tools to be a complete NBA player. So, it seems that he should have the starting role on lock for the upcoming season, right? Not so fast.
MUST READ: Pros and Cons of the Allen Crabbe Trade
The Nets made a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers to acquire Allen Crabbe for Andrew Nicholson straight up. Crabbe is a player that Marks signed to an offer sheet last offseason, but it matched by the Blazers. Marks obviously still likes Crabbe a lot and made the move to get rid of a bench warmer in return for an impact player.
The third player in the mix is Quincy Acy, who played most of the year at power forward last season. With power forward position being crowded this season, Acy will likely find himself in between both positions. He shot the ball well from three last season, but the fan favorite will be relegated to the bench due to all the young talent in front of him.
This battle should be one to watch as the season goes on, but the nod should go to Crabbe to start the season. He is being paid a lot of money and is a player Marks has coveted since becoming the Nets GM. LeVert may develop into the better player, but for now he will be a key player on the second unit.